March 2024

CONNECTIONS ERATIVE

From Cows to Canvas

Michelle Weber Captures

Rural Life in Art

Pages 8-9

Sacred Hoops: Shooting for Success

Pages 12-13

Navigating Through the Challenges of Rising Costs

Dick Johnson General Manager

Until now I have teased you over the last few months about a probable rate adjustment in 2024. Our outside rate consultant has completed all their work, and our Board took three months to review the cost-of-service data. They looked at what each class of member was contributing to our revenues and corresponding expenses of each class of member. Our staff also spent hours reviewing and honing on data and rate options. In the end, we settled on a needed 5% increase in revenue. 10773400

The question is always, “why?” Why do you need an adjustment? We have had small power cost increases, but Rushmore and Basin have done an excellent job controlling their costs. The main driving force is increased costs to your cooperative. You can see in the graph below the cost changes from 2020, and the items I chose to compare are what we use daily. While there are many other items that are used daily with comparable results, these are the ones that popped up first.

The number of new members has increased 11.5% over that period but the revenue has increased by about 10%. We feel we cannot continue to cut our expenses much more, and if we do, we run the risk of getting behind on construction, maintenance, and technology. Once that happens, it takes a lot to catch back up. 9917100

We project this adjustment to suffice through the end of 2025. If there are no unexpected surprises, I would expect we can keep our local rates the same through 2025; maybe even beyond. However, I fear that Basin and WAPA are going to need to take rate adjustments for the same reasons we are. Basin does have a rate stability fund to draw on over the next few years that will help stabilize rates, but when that is depleted, they will be forced to do something. New sources of generation are going to be knocking hard at their door as well. WAPA, on the other hand, has already indicated rate increases sooner than later.

Regardless of this information, the value of electricity cannot be overstated. I think for many of us, our cell phone bill is higher than our electricity bill. I know my cell phone is not as dependable and as good a value as electricity is. To put it into perspective, one kWh equals running 8.6 miles and we only charge 11.95 cents. Yes, I am biased, but you cannot beat the value of the cost of your electricity.

Work will be ramping up as we move into the spring so, please stay safe. 11176100

ERATIVE

CONNECTIONS

WEST RIVER ELECTRIC

(USPS No. 675-840)

Our Mission:

To serve our members’ best interest.

Our Vision: We will be a high performing co-op.

Our Values:

1. Safety 2. Accountability

3. Integrity 4. Innovation

5. Commitment to Community

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Board President: Andy Moon

Board of Directors

Stan Anders – Vice President

Jamie Lewis – Secretary

Chuck Sloan – Treasurer

Larry Eisenbraun

Peter Blake

Marcia Arneson

Howard Knuppe

Sue Peters

CEO and General Manager: Dick Johnson –dick.johnson@westriver.coop

Editor Amanda Haugen –amanda.haugen@westriver.coop

WEST RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

CONNECTIONS is the monthly publication for the members of West River Electric Association. Members subscribe to Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership for $6 a year. West River Electric Cooperative Connections purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better living. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 per year. Periodicals Postage paid at Wall, S.D., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to West River Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 412 , Wall, SD 57790-0412.

Other correspondence to: West River Electric Cooperative Connections, 3250 E Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD 57703; telephone (605)393-1500, Exts. 6519, 6531 or 6522; fax (605)393- 0275; e-mail robert.raker@westriver.coop.

Make Fall Safety a Top Priority

It may come as a surprise that the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2021, 44,686 people died in falls at home and at work, according to Injury Facts®. For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.

Falls are 100% Preventable

March is Ladder Safety Month. Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. First, determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely.

• Discuss the task with coworkers and determine what safety equipment is needed

• Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment

• Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job

• Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment

• If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather

• Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended

• Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open

• Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder

• Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface

• A straight or extension ladder should be one foot away from the surface it rests on for every four feet of height and extend at least three feet over the top edge

• Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support

• Wear slip-resistant shoes and don’t stand higher than the third rung from the top

• Don’t lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom

• Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use

Fall Hazards at Home

Are you a weekend warrior or do-it-yourselfer? If you take on home improvement or other weekend projects, it’s important to prepare yourself for physical exertion, especially if you’ve been sedentary through the winter months, and take extra precautions to prevent falls.

Risky projects, like installing siding, gutters or roofs, are best left to professionals. Saving money isn’t worth risking a debilitating or fatal fall.

At home or at work, many of the same rules apply. When taking on a project:

• Practice all of the ladder safety tips mentioned above

• Keep the work area clear of hazards and immediately clean up spills

• Read all instructions and safety precautions on your equipment

• Don’t wear loose clothing that can get caught in equipment

We tend to think we’re always safe on flat ground, but the thousands of injuries each year tell us otherwise.

• Falls are the #1 cause of death for older adults; fall-proof your home

• Keep floors and surfaces clear of clutter

• Keep file cabinets and desk drawers closed

• Keep electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas

• Install handrails on stairways

• Wear sensible footwear

• Never stand on chairs, tables or any surface with wheels

• Properly arrange furniture to create open pathways

• Maintain good lighting indoors and out

More than 6.9 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2021. A fall can end in death or disability in a split second, but with a few simple precautions, you’ll be sure stay safe at home and at work.

Source: National Safety Council

Trim Your Trees

Brace Tapio, Age 8

Brace Tapio cautions readers to trim their trees to prevent power line damage. Brace’s parents are Nate and Elsa Tapio from Armour, S.D., members of Douglas Electric Cooperative.

Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.

SEAFOOD SPECIALS

CAJUN SHRIMP

Ingredients:

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2-3 tsps. cajun seasoning

2 tbsps. butter

Method

Coat shrimp with seasoning. Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add shrimp; cook and stir three minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Serve over cooked rice, if desired.

McCormick.com

CRAB SALAD SPREAD

Ingredients:

8-12 oz. imitation crab meat, flake syle, tear into small pieces

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 cup (approx.) shredded Cheddar cheese

1 small can black olives, sliced Mayo (must be Mayo), to get correct texture, less is better than too much

1/4 to 1/2 pepper, cracked

Method

Mix by hand. Serve with Club or Ritz crackers.

Linda Hubbard

Rapid City, S.D.

CREAMY SHRIMP LINGUINE

Ingredients:

8 oz. linguine

1 tbsp. butter

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup heavy cream

1 package garlic butter

shrimp scampi

2 tbsps. white wine

Method

Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well.

Melt butter in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook and stir 2 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Add cooked pasta, Seasoning Mix, cream and wine. Reduce heat to medium; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

McCormick.com

Please send your favorite recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2024. All entries must include your name, mailing address, phone number and cooperative name.

Spring Cleaning Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Q: What are some energy-saving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

Miranda Boutelle Efficiency Services Group

A: Spring is a great time to refresh, clean and enhance energy efficiency at home. By adopting simple yet effective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an efficient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize efficiency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing efficiency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce efficiency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring – before the heat of the summer – can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors offer special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before

cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energysaving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-ahalf years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to yearround comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean and implement practices that not only tidy our homes but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy efficiency and saving money on energy use.

Käsemeister Creamery

Shannon Marvel shannon.marvel@sdrea.coop

Spink Colony’s Käsemeister Creamery continues to perfect the art of cheese making while continuously looking for more ways to increase its economic footprint.

The creamery is located at a Hutterite colony about nine miles south of Frankfort, which produces over 150 types of cheese, which are sold in stores throughout the state and into North Dakota and Minnesota.

The creamery’s manager, Jeremy Wipf, said the business also gets online orders regularly that go throughout the United States.

“We’re always trying to get into more stores,” Wipf said, which isn’t easy in the competitive word of cheese and dairy products.

“The bigger creameries are our biggest competition,” Wipf said. “But we’re coming along. We’re still growing slowly. We’re only using half of our milk right now, so we will have the other half to use up. We’ve got room for expansion if

we could get in with a new distributor that isn’t in South Dakota. There’s plenty of cheese around. There’s always competition.”

The idea for the creamery came about in 2016. After securing a business loan, the Spink Colony bought the equipment necessary to start the business in 2018.

In fall of 2018, the creamery officially opened for business.

Käsemeister Creamery employs five full-time and 12 part-time employees from Spink Colony. “When we need more help, like when we make the cheese, we have extra help. It gets a little more difficult at times, such as harvest. During those times, we just have to do what we can and work harder and longer,” Wipf said.

The creamery source 100% of the milk used to make the cheese from the colony’s dairy operation, which milks around 100 cows. The cows are a three-way cross of Montbeliarde, Swedish Red, and Holstein.

“The idea behind it is a smaller cow that takes less feed but has more body fat, more protein – which at the end of the day is what pays the bills,” Wipf explained.

The creamery is hoping to break into the whey industry, which would allow them to sell a byproduct from making the cheese.

“We basically have to throw away the whey right now,” Wipf said.

For every 10 pounds of milk, you get one pound of cheese and nine pounds of whey, according to Wipf.

A separate facility would be needed to process the whey byproduct into whey protein, a product currently in high demand.

“But we’re too small to invest in equipment for a facility. You’ve got to have a separate facility for processing whey. There’s a lot of demand for it, but you have to have a lot for it to be feasible,” Wipf said.

Creamery’s current processing facility is comprised of all stainless steel machinery, which was put together by workers from the colony. A 14,700 square foot facility hosts both the processing area and retail store front.

Check out the cheeses and other products offered by Käsemeister Creamery online at www.kasemeister.com.

FROM COWS TO CANVAS

Michelle Weber Captures Rural Life in Art

Frank Turner frank.turner@sdrea.coop

During her upbringing in Windom, Minn., Michelle Weber discovered her passion for art at a young age. She was the kid who was always doodling, often paying more attention to her drawings than to the class. Holding on to her passion, Weber took her first art class in high school with her art

teacher, Mark Nass. Although the class had a rocky start, Nass recognized her potential and helped fuel a passion that would ultimately lead Weber to becoming a prominent rural artist.

“I was a junior in high school when I enrolled in my first real art class, and to be honest, I kind of hated it,” said Weber. “That first week, I was mortified that I wasn’t any good.”

Initially contemplating dropping the class, Weber sought a signature from her art teacher to change her art class to a study hall instead. Despite her request, Nass refused to let her drop the class and encouraged her to try give the class another chance.

“After a few weeks, everything just clicked,” said Weber. “I fell in love with painting and began living in the school’s art room.”

In less than a year, Weber made substantial progress in her artistic abilities. Enough so, that her teacher encouraged her to apply for the Congressional Art Competition. She applied,

Rural Artist Michelle Weber has illustrated 11 children books in addition to showcasing her art nationwide and internationally.

and her painting not only won in her district but also earned a spot in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., where it was showcased for an entire year.

Weber’s success in the Congressional Art Competition foreshadowed what was to come. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing on a farm and involvement in 4-H, Weber began primarily painting livestock. In 2011, Weber’s friend from Mitchell, S.D., Amanda Radke, approached her with a request to illustrate a children’s book featuring livestock and rural agriculture, a perfect fit for Weber’s artwork. This opportunity led to the creation of “A World With Cows,” marking Weber’s first foray into a full-time career as an artist.

“The book was a huge stepping stone for both of us,” said Weber.

The children’s book marked not only the beginning of a career but also established Weber’s niche – capturing the focal point of rural life on canvas: livestock, horses, buffalo, and more. Weber has since illustrated 10 additional children’s books and successfully sold her artwork both nationwide and internationally.

Traditionally, her oil paintings have been rooted in a realism, capturing every detail of the depicted animals. More recently, Weber has expanded her art to include a more whimsical and abstract representation of the rural lifestyle.

“My niche market is the producer, so it’s important that my art reflects an authentic rural lifestyle,” said Weber. “I want these paintings to have a touch of who I am, but also have the integrity of this lifestyle retained on canvas too.”

Today, Weber resides just outside Lake Benton, Minn., a town just outside the South Dakota border. From her small town, Michelle Weber also maintains a website, michelleweberstudio.com, where she showcases a wide range of products

featuring her artwork, including prints, notecards, children’s books, and even cake pans. In addition to her website, Weber recently opened a studio named, “The Studio by Michelle Weber” in the center Lake Benton.

“The Studio is a space located right in the heart of Lake Benton,” said Weber. “Some people look at Lake Benton with a population of less than 700 or less and ask, ‘Why would you open your studio there?’ But I stand behind supporting these small. They are the heartbeat of this country, so it only seemed fitting to bring it home.”

Weber is widely known for her oil paintings that capture the essence of an authentic rural lifestyle on canvas.

A Weber painting, titled “Side Eye.”

Rate Adjustment Coming April 2024

Amanda Haugen Communications Specialist

West River Electric’s rates have remained the same since 2016. Over the last eight years, the cost to deliver reliable energy has raised drastically. The rising costs of wholesale power, essential equipment increasing from 50% to 150% for transformers, poles, wires, and more, have all played a part in your boards’ decision to adjust the rates at West River Electric. 10065100

The new rates will take effect March 2024 and will be reflected on billing statements received in April 2024.

The impact of the adjustments on individual bills will vary for each member depending on energy usage. 4641500

SHOOTING FOR SUCCESS Sacred Hoops Basketball Scores

Big with Rural Youth

Frank Turner frank.turner@sdrea.coop

Sacred Hoops Basketball, a nonprofit organization unique to South Dakota, has been changing the game for youth basketball across the state for more than six years. Using basketball as a tool for youth development, the program organizes teams, trains coaches, and hosts tournaments and workshops for young individuals in all communities – both big and small.

Since the program’s conception, the emphasis has centered on rural engagement. Allan Bertram, the owner and operator of Sacred Hoops, co-founded the program alongside Jordan Long and a few other movers and shakers as a way to bring quality basketball instruction to students who would otherwise need to travel hundreds of miles to participate. Their goal was to make basketball accessible to all athletes across the state, not only improving their basketball skills but

also their life skills.

“We wanted to bridge the gap for kids in rural areas, particularly our athletes in low socio-economic areas who may not have been able to play basketball otherwise,” said Bertram. “We want to ensure that every kid who wants to play can.”

Beyond hosting tournaments and teams, Bertram and the organization’s other volunteers have found other ways to make changes on and off the basketball court. In addition to hosting more than 120 high school instruction programs across the state, Sacred Hoops Basketball annually distributes more than $70,000 in scholarships that aid athletes from low-income families to play ball. The organization was also the driving force behind a recent initiative that placed 2,000 new pairs of shoes in the hands of children from select, rural

Sacred Hoops Coach Tuffy Morrison is just one of many volunteer coaches who make Sacred Hoops Basketball a reality for rural athletes.

SACRED HOOPS BASKETBALL

elementary schools in South Dakota.

“We’ve seen so many kids grow and fulfill their passion,” said Bertram. “In today’s world, our youth sometimes don’t understand what their purpose or passion is, and that’s why so many of our youth are struggling. It doesn’t matter what a kid is passionate about – it could be music, sports, gaming, or whatever – but it’s our job to help feed that passion because that is what gives those kids a purpose.”

Today, the program has expanded to encompass more than 50 dedicated volunteers and 600 athletes across 60 teams in their summer season, with athletes spanning from third grade to high school. These numbers, said Bertram, have added up to a real impact for athletes across the state. Within Sacred Hoops Basketball, more than 75 athletes have gone on to play college-level basketball.

“It gives us a great sense of pride because those kids are not only getting a post-secondary degree but also get to continue their passion by playing at the next level,” said Bertram. “Many of these kids come from rural areas or

locations.”

Sacred Hoops Basketball Director and Coach Ted Standing Soldier also emphasized the impact that the nonprofit has had on West River athletes. Standing Soldier regularly works with athletes from several rural

West River communities, including Pine Ridge, Belle Fourche, Kadoka, and more.

“We have athletes from all over come to play on one team, and it’s changing the game for these kids. We have seen several of our athletes start making junior varsity and varsity teams as middle schoolers,” said Standing Soldier. “These are kids we want to help reach their full potential, both on and off the court.”

Reflecting on his upbringing, Standing Soldier said that basketball played a significant role in his early life, ultimately leading to college scholarships that allowed him to play basketball for Platte Community College in Nebraska and later the University of Mary in North Dakota. Those opportunities, he said, are ones that he wants to share with other youth in South Dakota.

“Basketball has been a part of my entire life,” he said. “I developed a love for the game. God has used it to impact my entire life, and now I’m using it to impact others.”

Sacred Hoops Director and Coach Ted Standing Soldier draws up a play for the the Sacred Hoops West River Youth Team.

The Sacred Hoops Basketball AAU West Coast National Championship Team.

LOCATE YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER

If you locate your account number anywhere in this issue of West River Electric’s Cooperative Connections, you will be a winner. There will be five account numbers placed randomly throughout the publication. If you spot your account number and notify our office before the 10th of the next month, you will receive a $10 credit on your next bill.

WEST RIVER ELECTRIC OFFICE HOURS

RAPID CITY OFFICE

3250 E Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 605-393-1500

WALL OFFICE

1200 W 4th Ave, Wall, SD

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 605-279-2135

A night depository is available at both offices for your convenience.

SERVICE AND BILLING QUESTIONS?

Contact 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 during office hours. E-mail us at info@westriver.coop for questions on your account.

OUTAGE OR EMERGENCY?

Contact 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 in the event of an outage or other emergency. Our calls are answered 24/7.

MARCH 1-3, 2024

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic

1201 N West Ave. Sioux Falls, SD

MARCH 2

Live on Stage

High Country Guest Ranch Hill City, SD

MARCH 7

Elevate Rapid City Economic Summit

8 a.m.

The Monument Rapid City, SD

MARCH 9

To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative. Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.

French Toast/Pancake Feed & Health Fair

8:30 a.m.

Tea Community Building Tea, SD

MARCH 9

SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy & 3rd Annual Shamrock Gala

5 p.m.

Alex Johnson Ballroom Rapid City, SD

MARCH 11-15

Black Hills Institute’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Hill City, SD

MARCH 14-16

Spring Rummage Fundraiser

Spearfish Senior Center Spearfish, SD

MARCH 15

East Dakota Chapter NWFT

31st Annual Banquet

Ramkota Exhibit Hall Sioux Falls, SD

MARCH 15-16

Badlands Quilter Weekend Getaway

5:30 p.m. Friday, all day

Saturday

Wall Community Center Wall, SD

MARCH 16

Live On Stage High Country Guest Ranch Hill City, SD

MARCH 16

South Dakota Poetry Society Poetry on the Road & Open Mic 1 p.m.

Tri-State Museum Belle Fourche, SD

MARCH 16-17

Hill City Antiques, Railroad & Collectibles Show & Sale

Hill City Center Hill City, SD

MARCH 17

St. Patrick’s Day Green Pancakes and Sausage 8:30 a.m.

RVUMC Rapid City, SD

MARCH 20-23

Hill City Restaurant Week Hill City, SD

MARCH 23

Tyndall VFW Vegas Night 7:30 p.m.

Tyndall Community Center Tyndall, SD

MARCH 23

Hill City Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Visitor Info Center Hill City, SD

MARCH 24

Ham Dinner & Silent Auction 11:45 a.m.

RVUMC Rapid City, SD

APRIL 2

Clay-Union Electric Ribbon Cutting & Open House

3 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

31321 SD Hwy. 19

Vermillion, SD

APRIL 5-7

71st Annual Hayes Play: Under a Cowboy Moon 7 p.m.

Hayes Community Hall Hayes, SD

APRIL 12-14

The Farmer’s Daughter 19th Anniversary Celebration Hill City, SD

APRIL 14

Hill City Senior Sunday Breakfast 8 a.m.

Hill City Center Hill City, SD

Note: Please make sure to call ahead to verify the event is still being held.